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Wheelchair Service

St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead, CH42 0LQ

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • St Catherine's Health Centre is located on Derby Road just to the south of central Birkenhead. If approaching from the south it can be accessed from junction 3 of the M53 via the A552 . The A552 can also be accessed from Liverpool via the Queensway Tunnel.
    • There is an onsite car park for patients and visitors with free parking for a maximum of 3 hours. Please be aware that staying for longer than 3 hours will result in a Penalty Charge Notice. However some exemptions will apply so, for longer appointments, please speak to the reception staff before you leave the Health Centre. They will be able to assist you.
  • By Bus View
    • There are bus stops on Derby Road next to the Health Centre.
      Service 38 Gold and 38A stop here with direct links to Eastham Ferry, Bromborough, New Ferry, Eastham Rake, West Kirby and Saughall Massie.
      There are also bus stops on Church Road.
      The 487 and 711 bus services stop here with direct links to Birkenhead, Liverpool, Little Neston and Ness.
    • There is not an onsite bus stop.
    • The Derby Road bus stops are located to west of the Health Centre and the Church Road bus stops are located to the north east and south east of the Health Centre.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Green Lane which is located 1.1km away from the Health Centre.
      There are direct links to Ellesmere Port, Liverpool Central, Chester and Hooton from this station.
      The train company that operates from this station is Merseyrail.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust)

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact staff at main reception.
  • Staff will always find a quiet space for patients when required but there is not a designated place of safety.

Hospital Parking (Wheelchair Service and Staff)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders and staff only.
    • The car park is located at the right hand side of the building, to the right as you enter the site from Derby Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 8 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 480cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 75m (82yd 1in) from the Wheelchair Service entrance.
  • Comments View
    • This is the closest car park to the Wheelchair Service and has dedicated Blue Badge parking.
    • Alternatively patients can park in the main car park and access Wheelchair Service by the lift in the Health Centre.

Getting To (Wheelchair Service)

  • Wheelchair Service is/are located on the lower ground floor.
  • Access to Wheelchair Service is via the main hospital entrance or the Wheelchair Service entrance from the car park.
  • Enter the building via the main entrance and proceed straight ahead until you reach the lift lobby on the right hand side.
    Take a lift to the lower ground, to the right the Wheelchair Services entrance is in the corner.
    Via the car park procced through the gate using the ramp access and at the bottom of the ramp, proceed straight ahead to the Wheelchair Service entrance.
  • Wheelchair Service is approximately 10m from the lift entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which is/are easy to open between the lift exit and the Wheelchair Services entrance and the department/service.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Approach (Wheelchair Service Entrance)

  • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.

Level Change (Approach to Wheelchair Service Entrance - Picnic Table Area)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the raised picnic bench area.
  • The ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading up the raised picnic bench area.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • This picnic table is located along the route from the Wheelchair Service car park to the Wheelchair Service entrance.

Level Change (Approach to Wheelchair Service Entrance - Raised Bench Seating Area)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading up to a raised bench seating area.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • This bench seating area is located along the route from the Wheelchair Service car park to the Wheelchair Service entrance.
    • There are also level access bench seats.

Outside Access (Wheelchair Service Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building, next to the Staff/Wheelchair Service car park.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Entrance (Wheelchair Service Lower Ground Floor)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the lower ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 98cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter via the Wheelchair Service entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the Wheelchair Service entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+) .
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is carpet and vinyl/laminate.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is available.
    • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Department / Service (Wheelchair Service)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Wheelchair Service is located on the lower ground floor in Wing 1.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is no clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is carpet and vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, accessible toilet facilities for everyone and treatment rooms.
    • There are 2 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
    • Standard toilet facilities are located in the atrium on the ground floor.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Assessment Room 2)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Assessment Room 2.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 158cm (5ft 2in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is powered overhead.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Ground - Wheelchair Service - Changing Facility)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • This is a Closomat toilet.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor next to Wheelchair Service.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m from the lifts and Wheelchair Service.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 338cm x 290cm.
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 130cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is an elbow pad flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • There is a push button alarm in the toilet.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 76cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 52cm (1ft 8in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There are two emergency alarm buttons at heights of 22cm and 78cm from the floor.
    • Before reaching the cubicle you have to through a manual door.
    • The cubicle door is 6 metres straight ahead beyond this door.
    • The first door opens away from you (push) and may be difficult for some to open as it has a closer.
    • The door opening width is 86cm.
    • The door has a good colour contrast with the walls both externally and internally.
    • This toilet is not a Changing Places facility but it does have a height adjustable bed and an overhead ceiling tracking hoist which covers the bed and the toilet.
    • The length of the changing bed is 180cm.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (St Catherine's Health Centre)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the same location (on the corridor to the right hand side of the atrium/lift lobbies) on the ground, first, second and third floors. There is an additional accessible toilet with a changing bed and a hoist on the lower ground floor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located in the same location (on the corridor to the right hand side of the atrium/lift lobbies) on the ground, first, second and third floors.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the same location (the corridor on the right hand side of the building) on the ground, first, second and third floors.

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